Record Turnouts at Recruitment Fairs Highlight India's Growing Demand for International Education

Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities Drive Surge in Indian Students Studying Abroad

India is expected to remain a key source of international students, with over 100 universities from the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the UAE engaging with prospective students. Morgan Edwards, regional manager for Lancaster University, noted that despite being early in the 2025 recruitment cycle, events had been busier than expected, with students showing a more discerning approach in choosing universities. Edwards participated in a recruitment fair organized by SI-Global in November 2024.

While studying abroad has been popular in major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, a growing number of international students are now coming from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. A study by edtech startup UpGrad Abroad found that 57.2% of 25,000 respondents wanting to study abroad were from these smaller cities, compared to 42.8% from tier-1 cities. An August 2022 report by the Institute of International Education and IC3 also highlighted that towns like Vijayawada, Warangal, and Tirupati are contributing a significant number of prospective students.

The trend was evident at the November fairs organized by SI-Global, where Mumbai and Delhi saw two to three times larger turnouts than in previous years, and cities like Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Coimbatore also had significant increases in participation. Indian students are increasingly prioritizing the career opportunities that an international education offers. Morgan Edwards noted that while employability has always been important, the growing focus on it is well justified.

The rising focus on employability is underscored by the recent "World Future Skills Index" by QS, which ranked India 25th and recognized it as a "future skills contender." The report noted that despite India’s success in attracting investment, it still faces challenges in education and employment. At the fairs, there was continued interest in traditional study destinations like the UK, Canada, and Australia, despite recent policy disruptions. However, emerging destinations such as Ireland, New Zealand, and the UAE gained attention due to their growing Indian student populations.

Rob Grimshaw, CEO of SI-Global, expressed strong confidence in the Indian market, highlighting the potential for the UK and other destinations. He emphasized SI-Global’s commitment to India and efforts to maximize student flow to universities. Morgan Edwards noted SI-Global's successful partnerships with over 100 universities, organizing impactful events that attracted top students. While acknowledging market challenges, he remained optimistic, citing achievements and the importance of the right strategy and commitment. The strong demand for international education from Indian students, especially from smaller cities, underscores the evolving preferences and focus on employability.

Editor's Note:

India is fast becoming a major source of international students, with more students from smaller cities showing interest in studying abroad. This shift highlights the evolving preferences of Indian students, who are now more focused on career opportunities and employability. The enthusiasm at recent recruitment fairs, despite market challenges, shows that Indian students are keen to explore global education options. This change is promising for the future, as it broadens the horizons of these students and enriches the global education landscape. By continuing to support and engage with these aspiring learners, universities worldwide can help shape a more skilled and diverse workforce, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. 

Skoobuzz sees the ongoing support from universities and organizations like SI-Global as a promising sign of the Indian market's lasting potential and importance in the global education sector.